Consequences of Argent Dawn

Submissions can be delivered direct through Tumblr, or at [email protected] alternatively, COAD#8780 / _coad_ on Discord. Exposing the bigotry, hypocrisy and bullies that try to remain hidden on the realm.  Anti-fascist, anti-totalitarian, anti-cult. Pro-LGBTQI+, Advocate for inclusivity and diversity in the roleplay community of Argent Dawn. Punching -up- at power for those who cannot.

[consequencesofargentdawn]

Hi there, Vemrich here, GM of The Violet Sigil. Just wanted to write a response with regards to the fellow who claimed we were a PCU guild a while back. Firstly, thank you for stating your belief that we are not PCU. I would like to confirm that we are not, nor were ever affiliated with them. I myself quit AD during their 'zenith' as I disliked the server being the playground of one man's ego trip. I'm going to assume the original poster was pointing out their concerns in good faith (as the alternative, that it was someone with a grudge against the guild wishing to smear us for some reason, is too pathetic to even consider) and confirm that we have no intention of 'artifically' hype bumping our recruitment thread. It looks like they had to scroll some way just to find it, and I'd assumed it was already closed. Thank you, and have a lovely week!

We already knew this on our end but always good to hear from the people themselves and rightfully show themselves to be of the kind of caliber of roleplayer Argent Dawn should be striving towards. We've seen only good things from the Violet Sigil so far, so we hope for the best!

[consequencesofargentdawn]

"Argent Dawn is healed.." That is a bit of a stretch perhaps, but it is getting there. There are still many with deep PCU scars with quick tendencies to knee jerk react at anything that triggers old bad memories. Can you blame them? Mostly not but it is still sad that some things with new unrelated people never take off because of a bad past. But there is still other large nasty groups flying under the radar. Take the STD planter group that often sits outside the cathedral on said planter, who lately have begun spreading to all of cathedral square and infest RP around them with their predatory grooming forcing people to erp in semi public, with threat of blackmail if they speak up and against said group. Or a particular religious guild fronting for the very same thing as well, and spreading rumours about former members who left in protest about the unsavory doings and playtimes with farm animals, contacting members and/or leaders of their new guilds to either get them kicked, or if leading, have members leave said guild. There is plenty to watch and act on still.

There is always going to be problem types. We have made that clear, but the server is healed largely from the harm brought on by the eight long years of PCU tyranny. Of course to these cases in question, some more insight into them would be much more appreciated from us.

[consequencesofargentdawn]

ya im pretty sure some of the guys you've listed with the pcu are not actually pcu guilds or a3 guilds.

seems that you guys or whoever was pulling a list of pcu guilds up just took the 'chatgpt generated summary post' a lot of these threads start with and assumed because pcu use it that anyone using it is them.

ofc boo to people using chatgpt to write their guild ads but yeah you're slapping a guy for hate speech while they're actually doing theft.

We do consider anyone who has not done their due diligence when recruiting current or former PCU members to be part of the problem. Especially if said members have not knowingly, openly or publicly shown contrition for being part of a machine of hate. Mitlaufer should be rightfully pointed out and held to suspicion.

You are correct however, the overuse of LLMs in RP and RP adjacent actions does have the effect of making reading their advertisements banal and heartless.

[consequencesofargentdawn]

I'm not gonna lie, your own capacity to 'track' the PCU and your rather banal ravings about forumites minding their own business is a little bit embarrassing. Do you even know what you're doing? Or are you just swinging for anyone who talks a little bit negatively for you? Once upon a time, you might have had a point but I don't think I've seen COAD come up in conversation in 2026 except to like, laugh at you? All you do is beat the dead horse of drama from a decade ago.

Why are you feeling embarrassed by something you are choosing to actively partake in with reading? Stop projecting.

The only reason why anyone would make such a pointless commentary is if they are embittered about being exposed for their foul behavior (GOOD) or bitter their little gang of bullies can no longer breath without everyone knowing who they and their alts are (THE GREATER GOOD).

You are continuing to show why CoAD remains relevant. Bullies and bigots get no quarter from us.

[consequencesofargentdawn]

I'd like to propose a theory. I think a lot of the outrage towards AI from the usual suspects is largely driven by the desire to show off the excessive number of expensive art commissions that certain folk order for their beloved characters.

The irony is that by frequently clogging up the waiting lists for many artists who are capable of capturing the Warcraft 'vibe', it has contributed to pricing out a lot of folk along with the current cost of living crisis. Frequent commissioners also often earn the perk of jumping to the front of the queue, even when commissions are closed, so they're oblivious to how tedious the experience can be.

I don't exactly approve of the use of AI, but I understand why folks would be tempted to use it when it can, with the right prompt, generate a passable image in seconds. Do you think that could be a contributing factor?

You are correct, the desire to peacock in front of others and show their afflueneza by displaying their 50 commissioned artworks as some sort of moral good or their inherent superiority as a roleplayer is indeed there.

We're also of the opinion that just because you have comissioned artwork does not mean you are somehow the 'goodrp' that these people insinuate.

A clever social experiment was done recently on twitter (a vaunted hunting ground for the usual suspects) with someone pretending a Monet painting was AI generated, when it was not. Cue the living embodiments of the Dunning-Kruger effect coming into view. The desire to 'hate' on something purely for the clout of it is another major driving factor.

One must remember the usual suspects are as we outlined before, completely bereft of any real meaning in their offline activities, they exist and sustain themselves on vicarious spite for anything outside of their myopic view of the world.

[consequencesofargentdawn]

All this chalk about AI this and AI that. It's the new strand of 'haha you erp therefore i am right you are wrong' tier infantilism. It's extremely telling when the biggest ball-smackers using the argument as a wrench to be absolutely disgusting to people on the forums, derailing guild threads and trying to get people kicked from guilds are with astronomical irony the most obvious erp supporters. It's like... okay we get it the pcu bullied you for 15 years because you couldn't keep your smut to skype and f-list, now you feel like you have to bludgeon others?

Someone clearly has the esoteric knowledge here. Yes it is rather amusing, pitiable really, that the ones using AI proliferation as a wrench are the former victims.

One can only assume this is because AI is directly competing against their smut production quality? Honestly people who actually RP on Argent Dawn and are not permanently glued to twitter or reddit like an IV-Drip (as ourselves are largely) are indifferent largely, mostly because it's effective impact on your experience is none.

We've spoken at length before that in general, demonizing people who know no better, that you do not know their individual circumstances and adopt absolutist positions on very much subjectivist points does not win you favor. Of course the Forumati of Argent Dawn don't care about that, the 5k+ posters and the like don't RP, we've shown empirical, mathematical evidence of this before on here too.

The number of posts someone who has 20-25k+ spread over a post 2018 period (when the new forum system rolled out) cannot be spending time playing the game, let alone rping within it within the confines of the hours in the day - unless they are not sleeping, unemployed, doing nothing else but playing WoW, or a combination of other co-morbid factors.

But we digress. The editor in question answering this has had some fleeting experience trying these various 'chatbots' out there and the really unfortunate part about them is their output outstrips what a lot of supposed RPers on Argent Dawn are capable of. Is this alarming? Yes, of course. The use of AI in a creative medium as roleplay is not without its ethical considerations, the damages it's use to the environment and such.

More eye opening however is that it is forcing a number of players to 'step up' as it were and improve their own output. Some players (mostly the slovenly ones who seek no improvement in their creative pursuits) are understandably going to be taking (as we've seen outlined by your own post, dear reader) violent umbrage at the tool.

Perhaps instead of trying to crucify your fellow roleplay enthusiasts, direct the rage at the systems supporting the implementation of AI.

[consequencesofargentdawn]

im finding it hysterical that you live in the minds of the peevesters completely without rent and all bills paid for courtesy of their schizophrenia. I quote verbatim from distantpeak - who has time to rp BOTH high elf AND blood elf magisters while racking up nearly 15000 forum posts - "Oh no, it's the CoAD defence."

and they have literally nothing to actually argue back against the things you say about them. they KNOW coad is right and it pisses them off so much they are probably going to be furiously hate jorking when they see this post go up because they obsessively follow you.

We are well aware that we are the most read community blog on Argent Dawn. While readership has been low over the last few months due to our own lack of engagement we still routinely have hundreds per week checking in. We have metrics to monitor this. Our subscription numbers only rise, albeit it not by the scores as they were during our peak but new viewers appear every week.

We are mostly shared by word of mouth we believe, linked in DMs, groupchats and the like.

While we used to actively despise the peever throng, as a team we did some self reflection earlier around the new year and figured there was no need to be as hardline on them. They're already societally dead ends with utterly grim prospects (where did Croecell go? Are they alright? Where is Gabrindion?) so they rely on the toxic social networks they have to physically continue in the existential sense.

Yes they are banal and as annoying as any redditor you may come across but actual harm? In the PCU sense? Nowhere near. So we've decided to adopt a general stance of pity towards them for the last few months rather than active measures.

But you are correct, they will be obsessively back patting one another once this post goes out, sweating and panting furiously. So we can only say this to them. "Do not worry, you are worthy of our grace."

[consequencesofargentdawn]

Lmao speaking of AI, not surprised the 'waa your big mean chatbots make your rp insincere' its made by the cloutscraping Draenei. Like the rest of the performative roleplayers on Argent Dawn who sit about talking about RP but not actually doing any RP, like the peever sorts and the lot you have talked about before here.

I would have given their points some more consideration if it was not mindless redditspeak.

While the idea of what they are saying has merit, we can only agree with the context of what you are saying (and we thank you again for said context given in DMs) about the individual in question.

Yes, they would be taken more seriously if they were challenging the various guild and community threats blatantly using ChatGPT generated write ups (and some of the replies bumping it even more worriedly) but they're not doing that.

Feckless slacktivism a la the Vixi/Telaryn/Loras throng style who don't actually stand for any morals aside from getting dopamine bursts belittling and striking anyone they think they can get away with on the forums without recourse.

Truly, a paragon of his kind. Forum activists indeed.

[consequencesofargentdawn]

Not a very good look to be saying you'd choose AI over the PCU.

This was made in more flippant jest than anything else. We ideally would not have to be presented with such a dilemma in the first place, nor should anyone else if they curate their RP spaces properly. Neither are ideal and both rot the community.

[consequencesofargentdawn]

Where the heck have you been COAD? You disappear like papa on his way for milk and come back months later.

As we've said before, there is little to talk home about here these days. We will wade in now and then when we see enough interesting points being made or there being genuine attempts to reach out with us about evidence of wrongdoing but otherwise we have also been enjoying ourselves in game. Midnight has been a very good expansion for providing tools to RPers. While we've had mixed opinions on the actual quality of the storyline, it is a nominal improvement (for now at least) on TWW.

[consequencesofargentdawn]

Is the PCU sloppy seconds trying to get active again? https://eu.forums.blizzard.com/en/wow/t/a-rp-the-violet-sigil-adventure-artifacts-arcana/611071/4 The way the guild members mass spamhype their own guild looks very much like the old PCU method to make a guild look active, even down to the same drivel style message content that you see with paid comment posts.

The Violet Sigil is not a PCU guild.

Highvale, Wildthorn (a new addition, shitting over the Haranir as per PCU tradition of the new expansion's 'thing'), Sunnyglade Ratters, Order of Oronaar, Painted Shields, Sanguine Hecatomb (relatively new) The Sholazar Sanctum (another new addition) Cleft of Shadow and Hand of Conquest are what appears to remain.

Even then only Sanguine Hecatomb and Order of Oronaar uses the A³ branding because they're already dead guild held up Megnarosh/Zaralniel's gross corpulent self and Hartuum's ginormous fivehead alone respectively.

Just look at the opening posts, they all follow the same rote and recycled garbage format. Any guild using that format is either in the PCU cultural sphere or using generative AI. Neither are good, though we would honestly take the latter over the former if we were forced to choose.

[consequencesofargentdawn]

Seems like some old PCU guilds are brewing again on the forums... Sanguine Hecatomb having a new thread, someone from their guild "advising" a new player to join a selection of old PCU guilds... Is someone stirring the pot again?

Dead on arrival, as expected. The PCU is dead and gone. The brand is radioactive, in all its forms. The PCU guilds that linger on the sidelines do not advertise themselves as such now (even if their forum threads are copy pasted ChatGPT formatted nonsense and anyone with a shred of media literacy can tell they're using generative AI).

Argent Dawn is healed, much like the Dead Scar in Eversong Woods.

[consequencesofargentdawn]

I just returned to AD and everything is so empty, did something happen? I remember peak covid the streets of Stormwind being full of Roleplay now you see three or four groups in their corners ignoring any outsiders or newcommers, RP feels so hard to get back into because there's literally nothing happening.

There's plenty of RP going on. Stay off the forums, stay off 'community discords' and do your social networking like the old days. We have seen plenty and have been enjoying ourselves! There is a lot going around, remarkably so for the initial months after a major expansion launch.

And if you can't find something, make something. If you build something, they will come, as the old saying goes!

[consequencesofargentdawn]

Straight from the Horses' mouth. Moonstalkers have confirmed they are in fact not PCU related. You can all rest easy now.

[consequencesofargentdawn]

So what's it like being the boogeyman (boogeyperson if you're being PC ig) of argent dawn? People mention coad and there's fascination, excitement and interest. Or if you're a weirdo, dread and hate.

I can safely say the only people who've ever had something negative to say about coad have gone on to actually have some major fucking skeletons in their closet.

It's like the irony insists upon itself.

As a collective we can safely say we never have gone out of the way to become the 'Batman' of Argent Dawn. Though if it has helped stop nasty sorts from misbehaving, the threat of CoAD lurking over them then yes, it's worth it.

We know we've become a household name. Everyone has heard of CoAD, and if they haven't they either are new to Argent Dawn or are part of the 'weirdo' group you mention who have something to hide.

But you are very correct. If you have nothing to hide then CoAD has no reason to place you on our proscription list. Truly it is as you say an ironic situation when all the major vocal Anti-CoAD individuals have (shock horror) eventually turned out to be vile personalities unworthy of being part of the Argent Dawn collective, and in turn been ejected from any major interaction.

When a community monitors itself, regulates itself and holds a basic modicum of decency to its members, it begins to heal and renew. As we are all seeing over course of the last expansion and going into Midnight. Filth eventually gets rejected.

If you find yourself thinking "man, why can't I find any good RP lately?" Perhaps look at yourself in the mirror, Principal Skinner. YOU may be the one out of touch. If you surround yourself with misery you will be miserable.

[consequencesofargentdawn]

Where have you been COAD its been a while!

The short answer of it has been - busy!

All members of the editor team have joined new guilds in the last couple of months. Besides that we all took a break over the festive period.

To cap things off one of our editors came down very sick with a virus and another had a family tragedy to deal with, so we have simply been functioning at a diminished capacity unfortunately.

As we have mentioned in past posts our output will very likely not resume the 'old times' as the PCU is gone, and what remains knows to keep its head out of the sniper fire.

Of course if they get too cocky we will there to adequately remind our lovely server what kind of chud they are dealing with.

As you've also may have seen we've had some non-PCU menaces come to light as well. Still, we hope to our 1300+ strong follower count (and many more casual viewers) that you enjoy and remain safe on Argent Dawn.

[consequencesofargentdawn]

Me again CoAD! In my last remark regarding my troubles within a previous guild, and surrounding specific members, you requested that I informed you of names and such. I cannot supply you with screenshot evidence, as everything I have contains information personal to myself, and I would wish not to send you doctored evidence to conceal these personal details. Additionally, many of the hateful remarks were made in guild chat and Discord channels. Channels that were wiped by the offenders:

Instead, I will supply you with names. The original main offender in question was "Letheas" of a guild that I will not mention the name of, as the GM of said guild is a lovely person and was of a misguided influence due to Letheas' manipulative and ego driven behaviours.

Letheas is now of a new character name; "Dravere" GM of the Silver Vigil. His righthand is a chap called "Théor" whom I have had contact with, and similarly had ego issues reflected of Dravere/Letheas. They are two peas in a pod! Additionally Théor has bigoted views similar to his aforementioned friend! (What a surprise?)

I was a little concerned that I was experiencing confirmation bias, as I hadn't heard of anyone else having issues with these players. Until not too long ago someone left the Silver Vigil, and this person alleged to having experienced similar issues of transphobic, homophobic and questionably misogynistic behaviour. In tandem with the ego driven behaviours of the GM and CO.

Though I am certain we can all have bad days, these behaviours do seem to be developing as a pattern. And although we can all have differing views and opinions, I do believe as members of our community we should be exposing the lovely folks and players of influence of their hateful viewpoints. Nor, do I inform you of this update with intention of bringing upon the downfall of these people's and their guild. I merely wish to alert you, and those of similar beliefs that these players could be of questionable shadowy views, that one might have found among the Rotted...

We thank you for your contribution. We are aware of some of these names being given to us already, and have seen corroborating works in the past. Of course if they wish to provide contrary evidence to your claims then they are quite welcome to as well.

Naturally of course we can only take these claims with a pinch of salt, but we do hope this exposure of them here will make them think twice about continuing their harassing and disgusting behaviors they are being accused of doing.